LONDON, March 30 (UPI) -- Britain's Defense Ministry has chosen Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine unit to supply an integrated bridge navigation system for its carriers.
The company, which has headquarters in the United States but operates units in Britain, also signed a design phase contract for the Navigation Lights, Shapes and Sounds program.
The terms of the contracts weren't disclosed.
Under the bridge system contract Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine will build and deliver the complete INBS, including electronic chart display and information system for Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. The system will include navigation planning, electronic charts and radar displays as well as a comprehensive set of sensors and software.
The contract also provides for equipment integration and testing.
Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2018.
Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine has completed the initial design phase of the contract, including change requests and is designing a Navigation Light System under an option in the production contract.
"Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine has a long and productive relationship with the (British navy) as a major supplier of navigation radars, gyrocompasses, inertial navigation systems and platform management systems and we recognize the critical importance of the new aircraft carriers for the defense posture of the U.K.," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine.
